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Abstract

In 2004, Andy Paparozzi of the National Association of Printing Leadership (NAPL) reported that it was a good year for the U.S. printing industry, because it was the first year since 2001 in which the industry showed growth. However, this good news cannot appease the complaints from U.S. printers who are concerned about losing their jobs to overseas printers. According to a survey conducted by the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF), 40% of printers think that their customers are seeking global sourcing for their printing needs. Offshoring is the new reality of globalization. Journalists constantly mention the benefits and dangers in offshoring. No one is really sure if offshoring is beneficial or not, or if it is just overwhelming the printing industry. For the following thesis, the researcher conducted two surveys. One targeted U.S. print buyers (buyers, brokers, and book publishers); the other survey targeted Chinese printers. This research discusses the following issues: • How do Chinese printers view U.S. offshore print buying trends? • How are Chinese printers planning to upgrade and to improve their capabilities to acquire and to handle offshore print jobs? • Is there a trend (an increase or a decrease) in offshore print buying from China? • How do U.S. print buyers evaluate the need to send print jobs to China? • What are the obstacles that prevent U.S. print buyers from buying print from China? The research findings will benefit the U.S. printers by clarifying our understanding the print buyer’s behavior and reasons for purchasing their print offshore. With more accurate knowledge in this field, U.S. printers will be in a better position to know what it will take to become more competitive.

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